Kiwi sports star in court for ATM theft

A FORMER New Zealand schoolboy rugby union international wept in court yesterday after pleading guilty to stealing $11,000 to support a gambling addiction.

Sharne Lindsay Young, 22, wiped his tears away with his shirt collar as he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years probation in which he will have to pay back the money he stole from the Westpac bank in June last year.

Maroochydore District Court heard Mr Young had obtained ATM and credit cards from a wallet he lifted from the pocket of a jacket left unattended in a Mooloolaba eatery on June 7. Mr Young withdrew $1000 a day for 11 straight days which he blew on gambling.

The court heard he was denied on several occasions from withdrawing more because he had reached the accounts daily limit.

He was able to operate the ATM card after finding a slip of paper in the wallet with the PIN number on it, the court heard.

Judge Michael Shanahan expressed curiosity about the slip of paper, and why the card had not been cancelled during Mr Youngs spending spree.

"There are some unusual features to this case, he said.

The details of Mr Youngs gambling addiction were not told to the court, although his barrister, John Parker, said his client was undergoing counselling.

Mr Young is a talented sportsman who represented Auckland at schoolboy level in rugby union, rugby league and softball before moving to Australia with his family seven years ago.

Now an apprentice chef in Caloundra where he clears just $250 a week, he showed his athleticism by rapidly fleeing court with his shirt over his head and his jeans falling to his knees.